A sudden storm and dangerous waves capsized a 28-foot boat on Lake Tahoe last month, killing eight people, including three from New York’s Finger Lakes region, federal investigators said Wednesday.
The National Transportation Safety Board’s initial report confirms the recreational vessel Over the Moon overturned near D.L. Bliss State Park on June 22 after launching from Tahoe City earlier that day.
The victims include 69-year-old James Guck and 66-year-old Theresa Giullari, both of Honeoye, and 63-year-old Stephen Lindsay of Springwater.
According to the report, the vessel encountered “stormy weather” as it moved across the lake, eventually becoming overwhelmed by high winds and waves. Two other passengers were injured but survived the capsizing. First responders and witnesses fought the harsh conditions in rescue efforts.
NTSB officials said lifejackets were accessible on board, countering early speculation that safety gear may have been missing. Search crews later recovered two lifejackets, a life ring, and the final two victims from the lake bottom near the capsizing site.
The boat was retrieved by a salvage company and examined by both the U.S. Coast Guard and the NTSB. Investigators found no signs of a hull breach, grounding, or collision with another object.
The agency is continuing to inspect the vessel’s bilge pumps and engine fuel filter as part of the ongoing investigation. Toxicology tests for the occupants are pending as officials assess whether alcohol or drugs contributed to the accident.
The NTSB has not yet announced a final determination. The investigation remains active.
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